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Coral reefs are hugely important. They foster plant and animal biodiversity, help defend shores from storms and waves, and draw visitors to countries that depend on tourism.

But these benefits—known as “ecosystem services”—are under threat. Many reefs and the seagrass beds, mangrove creeks, and patch reefs (small reefs in shallow water) that border them suffer from global climate change, overfishing, and coastal development.

How can we save these beautiful and valuable environments? Marine reserves—areas open for tourism but not fishing or other destructive activities—are key. But for reserves to work, they must be well designed. Biologists already know that strong marine reserves must include seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral habitats to best support fish. But most tropical seas have lots of these habitats. Which should be part of marine reserves?

Help find an answer by snorkeling in the clear waters off the Bahamas, identifying fish and observing their behavior. You’ll explore fascinating mangrove creeks and patch reefs, which provide safe “nurseries” for some fish species. You’ll also record environmental data such as water depth, flow rate, and density of plant life. Armed with these data, researchers can begin to truly understand how to protect these rich aquatic environments.

Lead scientists

Accommodation and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

For fish, variety is best: studies have shown that living in reefs connected to mangroves may increase the weight of some species by over 100%

Marine biologists have little information to help them decide which mangroves and patch reefs to prioritize for protection.

You’ll help biologists fill in knowledge gaps by surveying the mangroves and patch reefs of the Bahamas. They particularly want to know what increases the abundance of fish in these habitats. Abundant fishy life tells scientists that a coral reef is healthy: fish graze on algae that would otherwise stifle corals, so a strong fish population keeps algae in check, which helps coral reefs flourish.

But what do the fish themselves need? Among many other things, food and shelter from predators. Some species get all of their resources from a single habitat, and they live there for their entire lives. But others need to move as they grow. They start their lives in nursery habitats: as babies, they settle into seagrass beds, which have fewer places for predators to hide.

Help find answers by snorkeling in the clear waters off the Bahamas, identifying fish and observing their behavior.

They then often move into food- and shelter-rich mangrove creeks as they grow. And when they outgrow this habitat, they migrate onto patch reefs and then onto coral reefs—the perfect place for many adult fish.

But researches still know surprisingly little about how this process actually works. How far do fish move as they grow? What factors influence their choice of habitats? And how does the loss of crucial habitats specifically impact fish: for example, does the stress cause them to feed less effectively, grow more slowly, or reproduce less? These questions are difficult, but your help brings answers ever closer.

About the research area

Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, Central America & The Caribbean

The Bahamas, a nation of about 3,000 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, draws millions of visitors each year. You’ll get to experience this tropical destination as few of those visitors do—from the beautiful peninsula on Eleuthera Island that is home to the Cape Eleuthera Institute. You’ll immerse yourself in the island’s natural wonders, which include pristine beaches, caves, the Levy Native Plant Preserve (home to 171 species of indigenous plants), and, of course, coral reefs.

In your free time, you may take in the island’s terrestrial wildlife—which includes iguanas and an array of bird species—by foot or on one of the institute’s lendable bikes. Kayaks are also available for exploring the shoreline. Staff may organize a visit to a nearby island for snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, and you’ll get to meet locals when, for example, schoolchildren visit the site. In short, you’ll get to know this corner of the Bahamas in a truly special way.

Eleuthera Island, Bahamas

Daily life in the field

Itinerary

Days 2–3: Practice snorkeling and research tasks, training in species identification and research methods, visits to mangrove creeks and patch reefs

Days 4–9: Daily activity includes:

• Snorkeling to survey reefs

• Snorkeling to observe fish

• Ocean video analysis

• Half-day off for fun

Day 10: Wrap-up and review of achievements, departure

Your days will be full of variety. If you’re an early riser, start the morning with a run or a swim led by CEI staff. Or stay in bed a little later and meet up with the rest of your team for breakfast. Then, you will:

Snorkel to observe tropical fish. One way to tell if reefs and mangrove creeks are healthy is by observing the abundance and diversity of fish swimming there. You'll snorkel through these habitats and identify fish species and record how many you see.

Snorkel to survey reefs and mangrove creeks. In the water, you will measure aspects of reefs that indicate their health, such as algae cover. You'll also record environmental data like water depth, density of mangrove tree roots, and temperature.

Record and analyze underwater video. You'll help set up underwater video cameras, then watch the footage to see how many and what different types of species of ocean creatures you see.

The team will spend most research days in the water, followed by a free hour or two and dinner in the evening. After dinner, you’ll help enter the day’s data into the project database—doing your part to build one of the most comprehensive reef ecology data sets available.

In the evenings, you may have the chance to attend talks on general marine biology and coral reefs. Or you can choose to relax and meditate on the scientific discoveries that could be the result of your hard work in the Bahamas.

Snorkel the coral reefs of the Bahamas, collecting vital data that will help efforts to protect them from climate change.

The Scientists

With your help surveying mangroves and patch reefs of the Bahamas, Dr. Harborne seeks to fill in knowledge gaps. He and his research team are particularly interested in what increases the abundance of fish in these habitats.

MEET THE LEAD SCIENTIST

Alastair

Harborne

Coral Reef Ecologist, University of Queensland

ABOUT Alastair Harborne

Dr. Harborne has done coral reef work for 20 years. He is a coral reef ecologist with interest in fish and coral ecology, and an overarching aim of using ecological insights to aid biodiversity conservation.

MEET THE OTHER SCIENTISTS

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Wireless Internet

Home-cooked Caribbean & American food

Exciting research environment

You’ll stay at the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI), a hub of environmental research and education on the long, thin island of Eleuthera. The institute’s dorm-style rooms, steps away from beautiful beaches and coral reefs, have bunk beds, electric ceiling fans, and ocean views. Next door, at the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club, you can buy snacks and enjoy a little luxury during your recreational time.

Your team will share buffet-style meals in a communal dining room with other visiting researchers and students, giving you the opportunity to learn about other fascinating research going on at CEI. You can expect a delicious mix of traditional, freshly prepared Caribbean and American food.

“Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in the Bahamas (Teen Team)”

Words cannot describe how amazing this expedition was! It was so educational and insanely fun. The people on this expedition (both the volunteer and the people who work at CEI) were super nice and helpful. The view from our room and the reefs were both beautiful. I definitely recommend bringing an underwater camera because those pictures turned out wonderful. I have nothing but good things to say about this awesome trip and I would recommend this trip for anyone and everyone:) (Just make sure to bring lots of bug spray if you do go.)

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Lisa Tubach|Wednesday, August 27, 2014

“Protecting Reefs Excursion is Top Notch”

This volunteer opportunity was so enriching and meaningful. The lead scientist, Alastair Harbourne, of the University of Queensland did a brilliant job at training his volunteers, encouraging the team, and providing key information about the research goals. I loved every minute of the work. Additionally, the Cape Eleuthera Institute / Island School is a gem of sustainability and progressive work on marine conservation and research issues. Their staff of scientists, instructors and other affiliated individuals were just terrific. It was truly a life-changing experience for me to be involved in this process.

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Cheryl Taylor|Tuesday, March 18, 2014

“Snorkeling to protect reefs in the bahamas”

I have just returned from this expedition on the beautiful island of Eleuthera, Bahamas. This expedition was far beyond what I expected. I learned so much about the marine life and the information that will be used to analysis the reefs. The staff at CEI was very friendly and helpful ensuring that we got the most out of our new adventure in a very safe environment. I would truly recommend this expedition to anyone.